Dunbar to Bo'ness
- 100 km
- 389 m
- Hard
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 389 m
- 100 km
Route overview
Riders suited to a long 100 km ride with moderate climbing of 389 m.
Stage 1 of 2 of the John Muir Way: 100.3 km from Dunbar to Bo'ness with 389 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting in Dunbar, the route heads north-west passing through Belhaven and West Barns, then continues past Whitekirk beneath Whitekirk Hill (74 m) at 12.5 km. It proceeds through North Berwick near North Berwick Law (187 m) at 18.3 km, Dirleton, Gullane, and Aberlady before reaching Longniddry at 35.7 km. The route includes 26.7 km on cycle paths, 18.5 km on quiet streets, 15.3 km on paths, and 14.2 km on main roads, notably 9 km along the A198. There is 20% gravel or unpaved surface and 78% paved. Climbing features two main hills: a 2.2 km climb starting at 54.1 km with 42 m elevation gain, and a 1.3 km climb from 66.3 km gaining 63 m with a max gradient of 9% up to 112 m. The highest point, 113 m, is at 68.5 km. Along the way, a longest section without cafe, shop or water of 12.9 km is between 5 and 17.9 km. Refuelling options include cafes at Dunbar (0.1 km), North Berwick (18.9 km), Gullane (27 km), and Edinburgh (56.8 km). Several bailouts by rail station are possible at Dunbar, North Berwick, Longniddry, and others with the final destination at Bo'ness served by a station at 96.1 km.
Highlights
- North Berwick Law at 18.3 km
- Whitekirk Hill at 12.5 km
- 2.2 km climb from 54.1 km
- Longest cafe/shopping gap of 12.9 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 54.1 km | 2.2 km | 42 m | 2 % | 4.5 % | 86 m |
| — | 66.3 km | 1.3 km | 63 m | 4.8 % | 9 % | 112 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 28% cycle path · 19% quiet street · 16% path · 15% main road
- Main roads
- 14.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 8.7 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 29.2 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- A198 (9 km), Union Canal Towpath (3 km)
- Surface
- 78% paved · 20% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 6% climbing · 7% descending · 87% flat
- Steep sections
- 0.7 km over 5% · 0.3 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 8.1% at 69.6 km
- Longest descent
- 2.9 km from 71.3 km, dropping 70 m
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmCo-op Food · convenience store · on the route
- 0.1 kmToilets · on the route
- 0.6 kmRigg Service Station · petrol station · 250 m off route
- 18.9 kmJ's Tennis Club Cafe · café · 30 m off route
- 19.5 kmBoots · pharmacy · 40 m off route
- 38.4 kmDrinking water · 130 m off route
- 42 kmBayne's · bakery · on the route
- 42.2 kmWell Pharmacy · pharmacy · 50 m off route
- 48.9 kmBP · petrol station · 60 m off route
- 51.3 kmCosta · café · 80 m off route
- 56.6 kmThe Goddess Clinic · clinic · 40 m off route
- 57.5 kmTop Up Tap · drinking water · 70 m off route
- 59 kmLaid Back Bikes · bike shop · 40 m off route
- 64.1 kmFour Square Park Cafe · café · 50 m off route
- 65.2 kmScotmid · supermarket · 80 m off route
- 72.4 kmMiller & Carter · restaurant · 40 m off route
- 80.7 kmToilets · on the route
- 81.3 kmQueensferry Pharmacy · pharmacy · 90 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 0 km — Dunbar (station), 560 m off route
- 20.1 km — North Berwick (station), 180 m off route
- 35.4 km — Longniddry (station), 910 m off route
- 44.6 km — Wallyford (station), 930 m off route
- 51.2 km — Brunstane (station), 60 m off route
- 61.9 km — Slateford (station), 260 m off route
- 80.6 km — Hawes Pier (ferry), 170 m off route
- 96.1 km — Bo'ness (station), 390 m off route
Worth a stop
- 0.1 km — The Magazine (castle)
- 19.8 km — West Links Putting Green (attraction)
- 23.4 km — Dirleton Castle (castle)
- 29.8 km — Luffness House (castle)
- 67.2 km — Capybara (attraction)
- 76.7 km — Barnbougle Castle (castle)
At the start
- Parkers · café · 50 m
- Sweet & Smoky · café · 100 m
- Co-op Food · convenience store · 20 m
- Dunbar Community Bakery · bakery · 150 m
- The Food Hamper · fast food · 20 m
At the finish
- Simply Treats · café · 200 m
- McMoo's · café · 250 m
- Pier Pizza · fast food · 150 m
- Bo'ness Spinal Health Center · clinic · 190 m
- The Anchor Tavern · pub · 200 m
Stay after this ride
- Richmond Park Hotel · hotel · 830 m from the finish
- Bo'mains Farmhouse · guest house · 2.5 km from the finish
- Kirkland House · guest house · 2.6 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 7 h 10 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 16–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 12.9 km stretch with no cafe, shop or water between 5 and 17.9 km
- 14.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 8.7 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limits
- 20% of route on gravel or unpaved surface